Meet Our Team

Jolie Merrill, LCSW Partner & Therapist Jolie is a LCSW who received her graduate degree from Keuka College. Prior to obtaining her Master’s degree in Social Work, Jolie studied American Sign Language at Daemen College. She has extensive experience working with women who have been victims of domestic violence and struggle with PTSD. Jolie is an EMDR therapist and utilizes Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing as a form of psychotherapy with clients who have a history of trauma in order to reduce feelings of distress affiliated with their traumatic memories. She specializes in TF-CBT, Motivational Interviewing, CBT and CPT. Additionally, Jolie is a Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor. She also has broad experience in the areas of drug and alcohol treatment, with several years of experience as a Clinical Director as well as an Admissions Director for an inpatient drug and alcohol program offering her a unique ability to work as an advocate between clients and other treatment providers.

Jennifer Close, LCSW-R Partner & Therapist Jennifer earned her graduate degree from SUNY University at Buffalo and brings specialized training and a deep commitment to trauma-informed care. She believes that a strong therapeutic alliance is the foundation of effective therapy, and she prioritizes building a safe, collaborative, and client-centered relationship with each individual with whom she works. Her approach is relational and integrative, drawing on a range of evidence-based interventions to support healing, resilience, and personal growth. These may include guided imagery, progressive muscle relaxation, grounding techniques, and EMDR. Jennifer is also trained in TF-CBT, DBT, Motivational Interviewing, CPT, Solution-Focused Therapy, the Flash Technique, and strength-based modalities. Jennifer has a particular interest in supporting adults as they navigate trauma and life transitions. Her work is grounded in compassion, clinical expertise, and a genuine respect for each client’s unique journey. Outside of her practice, Jennifer enjoys life in the countryside with her husband and their two German Shepherds, Millie and Waylon. She finds joy in nature, animals, camping, gardening, cooking, baking, and reading.

Linda Wagner, LCSW-R Therapist Linda was born and raised in upstate New York. She attended NYU at New Paltz with art education and art history as majors. She has also lived in NYC (Bronx) and Florida. Prior to becoming an MSW in 1995 from Marywood College, Scranton, Pa., Linda had many lives. While in New York City she worked in the Wall Street district in a foreign bank on the foreign exchange desk, worked in Real Property and has worked in various law firms in the Southern Tier. Since starting her career in social work Linda has worked on an inpatient ECT unit, worked for the State of New York at Greater Binghamton Health Center and OPWDD, and Broome Developmental Center. She has provided mental health mobile services in Winter Havens Fl. as well as providing services to children ages 5-10 in Melbourne and Palm Bay, Fl. Since returning to NYS during the pandemic, she has worked at Tioga County Mental Health and Southern Tier Counseling Services. Her approach to therapy is that all people deserve respect regardless of gender, race, etc. She has extensive experience in working with trauma and childhood sexual abuse. Linda has studied Accelerated Resolution Therapy, which is a fast, efficient, resolution to trauma (similar to EMDR). Linda loves art, drama, music and especially old houses. The Hudson River Estates are her favorites as well as the Hudson Valley painter, Frederic Church. She lives in Elmira, NY in a house that was built in 1811.

Rachel Jividen, LCSW Therapist Rachael Jividen is an LCSW, who recieved her graduate degree from Temple University. She works with adults ages 17 and up. She has 10 years of experience working with victims of trauma, domestic violence, dual diagnosis and grief/ loss issues. Rachel also provides general psychotherapy for mental health and can provide Christian Counseling if requested. Rachel uses an eclectic style therapy including but not limited to CBT, solution focused, and strength based. In her free time she can be found spending time with her family and traveling as much as possible!

Ashley Perez, LCSW Therapist Ashley is a LCSW, who received her graduate degree from Widener University. She has worked in both residential and outpatient settings and has years of experience working with addiction and trauma. Ashley has worked with Veterans, victims of abuse and sexual violence, those struggling with grief and loss, difficult relationships, and tough life transitions. She works with ages 16 and up. Prior to transitioning to private practice, Ashley worked in a residential setting at the VA. Ashley has a strong clinical interest in trauma and believes that the trauma experienced does not have to define a person. She takes a strengths-based and trauma informed approach with each person. She believes in developing a strong therapeutic rapport with her clients. She has additional training in TF-CBT and Motivational Interviewing, and will be pursuing additional training in Written Exposure Therapy for PTSD and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing). In Ashley’s spare time she enjoys the calmness of nature, gardening, and has a goal of reading 75 books a year. She lives with her husband; their dog, Zayah, and 2 cats, Robin and Fenrys.

Wanda Carl, LMSW Therapist Wanda is a LMSW who received her graduate degree from SUNY University at Buffalo. Prior to graduate school she also received her Bachelors degree in psychology from Elmira College. Wanda has years of experience working with children in various capacities before transitioning into private practice. Wanda uses CBT, crisis intervention, and motivational interviewing in her work with clients. Her approach is conversational, strength based, trauma informed, and solution focused. Wanda’s clinical interests include working with children and adults of all ages to help them with stress management, life transitions, anxiety, depression, and behavioral difficulties. In her free time Wanda enjoys spending time with her family and pets, playing video games, or relaxing in the great outdoors. During the summer she is most often found camping in the woods or floating on a lake.

Sheila Harewood, LMSW Therapist Sheila Harewood, LMSW is dedicated to providing compassionate, client-centered support to individuals and couples navigating the challenges of trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, and addiction. With expertise in both childhood and adult trauma recovery, she fosters a safe and nonjudgmental space where clients feel empowered to heal and grow. Sheila believes that every person is the expert of their own life, and she works alongside her clients with warmth, encouragement, and unwavering support. Her approach is rooted in empathy and respect, helping individuals rediscover resilience while guiding couples toward deeper connection and understanding. Through personalized care, Sheila equips her clients with the tools they need to move forward with confidence and hope. Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, Sheila now resides in Painted Post, where she continues to serve her community with care and dedication. Before transitioning into social work, she was a former teacher for 10 years, fostering growth and confidence in her students while cultivating a deep understanding of human development. She holds a Master of Social Work from the University at Buffalo (2023), building upon her commitment to helping individuals heal and thrive. Prior to that, she earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Brooklyn College, City University of New York (1999), a foundation that nurtured her creativity and appreciation for human expression. Her diverse academic and professional journey allows her to integrate artistic insight with evidence-based therapeutic approaches, creating a holistic and meaningful space for healing.

Emma Flynt, LMSW Therapist Emma is a LMSW who received her graduate degree from Nazareth University with a focus in Trauma Informed Care. She has worked with adolescents and adults who have experienced domestic violence, abuse, trauma, behavioral challenges, and life transitions. Through her social work internships Emma gained a more in-depth knowledge of the criminal and family court system as well as various therapeutic modalities. She plans to pursue training in IFS (Internal Family Systems) and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing). Emma is dedicated to supporting individuals with compassion, empathy, and a strengths-based approach. She strives to create a safe, nonjudgmental space where clients can explore their experiences, build insight, and develop tools to move toward their goals. In her free time Emma enjoys exploring trails with her dog, gardening, baking or cooking, and playing video games. She also can often be found curled up on the couch with a good book and a cup of coffee.

Kayla Drake, LMSW Kayla is an LMSW, who received her bachelors and masters from Keuka College. Kayla completed her bachelors internship at Children’s Integrated Services located in Chemung County. Kayla completed her masters internship at Corning Painted Post Middle School. After graduation she worked at Three Rivers Nursing home and then moved to the Bath VA where she helped veterans struggling with mental health, substance use, and homelessness seek residential treatment. Kayla is committed to empowering her clients and encouraging them to find the best version of themselves through self reflection in supportive environment and utilizing a strength based approach. Kayla is continuing to advance her skills and plans on becoming certified in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Internal Family Systems (IFS). In her down time Kayla enjoys spending time with her family or outside playing Pokémon Go, gotta catch em all! Kayla thoroughly enjoys going to the beach, being in the sun, and making lasting memories with friends and family any chance available.